Nigeria, Dec. 12 -- Chris Ngige, the former Minister of Labour and Employment on Friday, arraigned before an Abuja High Court sitting in Gwarinpa by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged N2.2bn contract fraud.

Ngige, who was arraigned before Justice Maryam Hassan pleaded not guilty to eight counts bordering on abuse of office and acceptance of gifts from contractors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund while he served as its supervising minister between September 2015 and May 2023.

After the plea, EFCC counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), applied for a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant.

He said, "In view of the not guilty plea entered by the defendant, we humbly apply for the trial date. We furt...